Maybe all the social/viral/mobile/online hype is not what it is cracked up to be….Here’s a good video from a  Swedish newspaper where they make a good point – somewhat.

Comments (0) May 04 2010

QR codes are an easy way to distribute content to a smart phone through an application. The user simply snaps an image of the code, and they will be connected to a website, a video, a persons contact information or any other variation of endless content options. Augmented reality combines the real world view through a phone’s camera, with additional digital displays, enhancing the experience…Confused?

Here’s an example using both QR codes and augmented reality. A building in Japan created a giant QR code on their building which people captured and enabled them to see real-time twitter feeds from the people inside the building. Imagine how this could change the way real estate agents disseminate information about a property. If someone happens to walk by, they can simply scan a QR code and be taken to a website with additional information including videos and photos.

Comments (1) Mar 17 2010

Welcome to experiential marketing, Williamsburg. It’s about time, considering the concept has been around for over seven years! I guess it takes an $8 million budget (more than I Love NY) and a HUGE ad agency (not located in Virgina mind you) to discover that people want to embrace brands and make an emotional connection.

“With ‘Be part of the story,’ it’s clear there is an active role for the visitor,” Mr. Campbell says. Their old tag line “History is just the beginning,” came across as “apologetic.” I would also sympathize with them as they have had difficulty getting people to make a repeat visit.

The campaign directs people to their website (which is well designed, but not optimized for search engines BTW).  It also includes the obligatory social elements (blog, iPhone app, Facebook etc..). The TV spot has great production value, but as I’ve said mant time before, where is the call to action? I also hope they can get a lot more views on the YouTube posting, which has only 205 views to date.

Comments (0) Feb 01 2010

Not sure why Yale would even need to go to such lengths to promote itself (seeing as they reject 92% of all applicants), but I give them credit for shaking up the status quo of campus tours. After all, getting a prospective student to visit the campus is considered a huge opportunity, and a school’s best chance at conversion. maybe this is just a tongue in cheek way of saying they can have fun at Yale and are just like everyone else…even though they are clearly not (and may, in fact, even be veiling a slight elitism).

Comments (0) Feb 01 2010

Here is an excellent use of online video to create a user experience that may be a deciding factor in choosing where to spend a winter vacation. the videos allow the viewer to scroll up, down and all around to fully engage in the activity.

Not only do the videos show the great skiing, they also display the fine dining and lodging options as well.

You can view all of their different resort experiences here:

http://www.keystoneresort.com/explore-keystone/virtual-tours.aspx
http://www.beavercreek.com/the-mountain/virtualtours.aspx
http://www.vail.com/mountain/explore-mountain/virtual-tours.aspx
http://www.breckenridge.com/mountain/virtual-tours.aspx
http://www.skiheavenly.com/video-and-interactive/virtualtours.aspx

Comments (1) Jan 15 2010